J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

J-1 Program Extensions for Professors and Researchers

If your Florida Tech DS-2019 will expire before you complete your program objective, your host department must first approve your
extension and then submit a request for an extended
DS-2019 to the International Student & Scholar Services Office on your behalf.
Please note: If your program sponsor (the agency that issued your DS-2019) is not Florida Tech, your extension must be processed
elsewhere (Fulbright, NSF, IREX, etc.).

When To Apply

The sooner the better! As soon as you are certain that you will need to extend your DS-2019, you should discuss this matter with your
host department. They will need to seek departmental approvals and signatures before they can submit a request for extension to the
ISSS Office. Our normal processing time after receiving a complete request from your department is ten (10) business days.

To process your request, your host department will need photocopies of all previous DS-2019 forms, your current I-94, and, if you are
not being paid by Florida Tech, proof of adequate financial support. If you are being paid by Florida Tech, your host department must
provide the Florida Tech Payroll Office with a photocopy of the DS-2019 extension before campus payments can continue.

DS-2019 Extensions and Your Visa

Extending your DS-2019 means that you are allowed to stay legally in the U.S. until the end date on that document, or until your
program is completed, whichever is earlier. Thus, your J-1 immigration status has been extended.

However, extending the DS-2019 (your J-1 status) does not automatically extend the validity of the visa stamp in your passport. If you
leave the U.S. and wish to re-enter in J-1 status, you may need to apply for a new visa stamp in your passport. For more information,
see Understanding Your Visa and Applying for a Visa.